4th QuarterOct – Dec 2006Volume 4, Issue 4

WWelcome to the 4th Quarter, 2006 issue of the Martin Family Newsletter!

It’s hard to believe that calendar year 2006 has practically come and gone and we are now knocking at the door of calendar year 2007!

God has truly blessed the Martin Family! As our family continues to grow, we find members in practically every part of our great nation…as

“The Martin Family “The Martin Family

The Rosalind Martin-Handsome Lung Cancer FoundationIn October of this year, the Rosalind Martin-Handsome Lung Cancer Foundation was officially launched. Here’s a message from the founder regarding the purpose of this worthy foundation.

“The Rosalind Martin-Handsome Lung Cancer Foundation was established in Memory of Rosalind Martin-Handsome. The goal of the foundation is to raise

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“Season’s Greetings!”“Season’s Greetings!”

For those who are not able to attend this inaugural event, you can still provide your support by making a donation to the RMH Lung Cancer foundation.  

To make a donation, visit the RMH website at:www.martin-handsome.org. Click on the “Support This Cause” link and follow the donation instructions. Donations can be made by mail or online by credit card.

Colorado – “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” ~ Psalms 98:4

Commencing at 7:00pm on December 23, 2006 at Zion Temple church in Denver, CO, a “joyful noise unto the Lord” consisting of rejoicing and singing praise will take place in the form of “An Evening of Gospel”.

“An Evening of Gospel” is the first fund-raising event for the Rosalind Martin-Handsome (RMH) Lung Cancer Foundation. The concert will feature Denver’s own Largressa Munnerlyn, Tiffany Colston (Miss Teen Colorado 2003-04), as well as other gospel artists.

For those of you who are or will be in the Denver area during this time, please take the opportunity to support and attend this event.

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The 1st Annual Rosalind “Roz” Martin-Handsome Gospel Concert

“We Shall Never Forget…” This section is dedicated to remembering those family members whom God “Called HomeCalled Home”

during those months that fall in a 4th Quarter time period.

Helen L. CrowellCalled Home on November 21, 2004

Hazel MooreCalled Home on November 6, 1978

Rosalind Martin-HandsomeConcert Flyer

Rosemary “Nina” MartinCalled Home on December 14, 1978

2007 Martin Family Reunion (MFR) As each day passes and we rapidly approach the end of 2006, we also get closer to the upcoming 2007 Martin Family Reunion!

Additional MFR updates will be communicated after the beginning of the New Year. All current MFR information can be found on the 2007 MFR website located at:

www.martinfamilyreunion.homestead.com. To view MFR info, Click on the “Reunion Updates” tab to access the current documents. Future reunion documentation will also be posted on the website.

As a reminder, MFR dues can be paid through PayPal. The “official” MFR hotel is

the Hampton Inn & Suites. Visit their website at: www.hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/cltkghx_mfr/index.jhtml to view MFR room types, rates and to make reservations.

The primary 2007 MFR Host contact is: Lisa Leak: (704) 598-6997 (home)ncreunion2007@yahoo.com

Living healthier doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming, experts say. How much do you know about what makes up a healthy lifestyle? Here's a pop quiz. 1. How do you define working out?

a. Going to the gym. b. Turning the jump-rope for the neighbor's kid.c. Playing Frisbee with your dog.

2. How do you define good nutrition? a. Eating a vegetable at every meal. b. Eating two vegetables at every meal.c. Drinking a fruit smoothie for breakfast.

3. Which of these is a healthy activity? a. Push-ups, sit-ups, or running the track.b. Walking the dog after dinner.c. Spending Saturday afternoon snoozing on the sofa.

Believe it or not, the correct answer to every question is a, b, and c -- even that Saturday afternoon snooze! According to the growing "Stealth Health" movement, sneaking healthy habits into our daily living is easier than we think. "You can infuse your life with the power of prevention incrementally and fairly painlessly, and yes, doing something, no matter how small, is infinitely better for you than doing nothing," says David Katz, MD, MPH, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center and of the Yale Preventive Medicine Center. Katz is also co-author of the book Stealth Health: How to Sneak Age-Defying, Disease-Fighting Habits into Your Life without Really Trying.From your morning shower to the evening news, from your work commute to your household chores, Katz says, there are at least 2,400 ways to sneak healthy activities into daily living. "If you let yourself make small changes, they will add up to meaningful changes in the quality of your diet, your physical activity pattern, your capacity to deal with stress, and in your sleep quality -- and those four things comprise an enormously powerful health promotion that can change your life," says Katz. And yes, he says, a nap on the couch can be a health-giving opportunity -- particularly if you aren't getting enough sleep at night. Nutritionist and diabetes educator Fran Grossman, RD, CDE, agrees. "You don't have to belong to a gym or live on wheat grass just to be healthy," says Grossman, a nutrition counselor at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York. "There are dozens of small things you can do every day that make a difference, and you don't always have to do a lot to gain a lot."

Do a Little, Get a Lot The notion that good health can come in small tidbits is not really new. Research showing that making small changes can add up to a big difference has been quietly accumulating for a while. For example, a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2004 found that adding just 30 minutes of walking per day was enough to prevent weight gain and encourage moderate weight loss. And if 30 minutes is still too big a bite? Another study, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, found that three brisk 10-minute walks per day were as effective as a daily 30-minute walk in decreasing risk factors for heart disease. "Just the act of going from sedentary to moderately active gives you the greatest reduction in your risks," says Helene Glassberg, MD, director of the Preventive Cardiology and Lipid Center at the Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. But it's not only in fitness where small changes can make a difference. The same principles apply at the kitchen table (and the office snack bar). "Reducing fat intake, cutting down on sugar, eating a piece of fruit instead of a candy bar -- over time, these things can make a difference," says Grossman. As long as the changes are moving you toward your goal -- be it weight loss, a reduction in cholesterol or blood pressure, or better blood sugar control -- you can get there by taking baby steps, she says. Moreover, Grossman tells WebMD, making small changes can help give us the motivation to make bigger ones. "A lot of bad eating habits are about not taking charge of your life, and that attitude is often reflected in other areas," says Grossman. On the other hand, she says, when you make small changes at the kitchen table, the rewards may show up in other areas of your life. "It's the act of taking control that makes the difference in motivating you," says Grossman. "An inner confidence and power begins to develop that can be seen in other areas of life."

Tripping Over Baby Steps Of course, not everyone is certain that baby steps can walk you all the way to good health. Marc Siegel, MD, a clinical associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine, says that while doing something is certainly better than doing nothing, making such small changes is like using a Band-aid to stop a hemorrhage. "It's a small, gimmicky idea to target people with very unhealthy lifestyles, and for some it may be useful," says Siegel, author of False Alarm: the Truth about the Epidemic of Fear. But he fears that for most people, it's sending the wrong

HEALTHY LIVING TIP – “Stealth Health: Get Healthy Without Really Trying”

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The Windows XP Operating System features a great troubleshooting function known as “REMOTE ASSISTANCE”.

Remote Assistance allows a PC user to request technical assistance from another person who has the expertise to troubleshoot

and hopefully resolve your computing issue(s).

A few of you in Denver and Indianapolis have benefited from Remote Assistance when you’ve requested my assistance and I logged into your PC from my home PC here in Oceanside, CA to

troubleshoot and fix your computing issues.

To use Remote Assistance, the user or requester’s PC MUST be using Windows XP (Home, Media Center or Pro editions) and have a high-speed Internet connection.

Feel free to contact me for more info. ~ Gerald

message. "In some ways it's a resignation, an admission that things can't be changed -- and that's certainly not the long-term answer," Katz concedes that the Stealth Health approach may not be right for everybody. "There is a trade-off because if you try to make the pursuit of health easier for people, you run the risk of leading them to believe they don't need to do very much -- and that would be the wrong message," he says. At the same time, Katz believes that for those who find making health changes a daunting task, Stealth Health techniques can make a difference. "If you want the really big gains, there has to be some pain," says Katz. "But there is a lot to be said for the idea that you can make some gains with little or no pain, and that's infinitely better than no gains."

Try the Stealth Health Approach Tempted to give "Stealth Health" a try? Katz recommends picking any three of the following 12 changes and incorporating them into your life for four days. When you feel comfortable with those changes, pick three others. Once you've incorporated all dozen changes, you should start to feel a difference within a couple of weeks, he says.

To Improve Nutrition:1. Buy whole foods -- whether canned, frozen, or fresh from the farm -- and use them in place of processed foods whenever possible.2. Reject foods and drinks made with corn syrup, a calorie-dense, nutritionally empty sweetener that many believe is worse for the body than sugar, says Katz.3. Start each dinner with a mixed green salad. Not only will it help reduce your appetite for more caloric foods, but it also will automatically add veggies to your meal.

To Improve Physical Fitness: 1. Do a squat every time you pick something up. Instead of bending over in the usual way, which stresses the lower back, bend your knees and squat. This forces you to use your leg muscles and will build strength. 2. Whenever you're standing on a line, lift one foot a half-inch off the ground. The extra stress on your opposite foot, ankle, calf and thigh, plus your buttocks, will help firm and tone muscles. Switch feet every few minutes.

To Improve Stress Control: 1. Give your partner a hug every day before work. Studies show this simple act can help you remain calm when chaos ensues during your day, Katz says.2. Have a good cry. It can boost your immune system, reduce levels of stress hormones, eliminate depression, and help you think more clearly.3. Twice a day, breathe deeply for three to five minutes

To Improve Sleep:1. Sprinkle just-washed sheets and pillowcases with lavender water. The scent has been shown in studies to promote relaxation, which can lead to better sleep.2. Buy a new pillow. Katz says that studies show that pillows with an indent in the center can enhance sleep quality and reduce neck pain. Also, try a "cool" pillow -- one containing either all-natural fibers or a combination of sodium sulfate and ceramic fibers that help keep your head cool.3. Eat a handful of walnuts before bed. You'll be giving yourself a boost of fiber and essential fatty acids along with the amino acid tryptophan -- a natural sleep-inducer.

~Benita Martin

HEALTHY LIVING TIP – “Stealth Health…” – cont’d

The Editor’s Technical “Tidbits” Corner…

 Cindy recently received a “Thank You” card from Ms. Giovanni for the article, but more important was the inspiration she gained from Ms. Giovanni’s work! 

For more information about Nikki Giovanni visit: http://www.nikki-giovanni.com/.  For more information about SOTAC visit: http://www.sotacmag.com.

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“CONGRATULATIONS”“CONGRATULATIONS” to to the following family the following family members for monumental members for monumental achievements reported achievements reported during the 4during the 4thth Quarter of Quarter of 2006!2006!

Apollo MartinApollo Martin, California – In addition to officiating the ESPN “Game of the Week” that featured Oaks Christian High School versus Venice High School and the “Silver Dollar Classic” that pitted Morehouse College against Alcorn State the during Q3, Apollo was selected as one of the officials for a prestigious California State Championship football game that took place on December 8th at the L.A. Coliseum during Q4.

Way to go, Apollo!

Paula Martin, Paula Martin, Colorado – On October 8, 2006, Paula Martin graduated from a 6- month "Training for Service" class held at Zion Temple Church. During the 6-month class, Paula learned to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". ~ 2 Timothy 2:15  

Paula was voted Class President by her peers and received the Salutatorian Award given to the second-highest graduate of the graduating class. "I did not think I could make it through this class still grieving over

Roz's passing, but with the help of the Lord and Roz looking down on me, encouraging me like she always had done my entire life, I Made It"!

Carlton WilliamsCarlton Williams,, Arizona – Congratulations are in order for Carlton Williams, son of Tracy and Terry Williams from Goodyear, Arizona. Carlton’s “West Coast West Coast HombresHombres” Pop Warner football team was the 2006 Arizona State champions for their Midget division.

Cindy DobbsCindy Dobbs,, North Carolina – Cindy had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Poet and Civil Rights Activist, Nikki Giovanni during the 2006 Charlotte Literary Festival.  The interview was for an article that appeared in “SOTAC” Magazine's Fall/Winter edition.  SOTAC (State of the Arts & Culture) is a Charlotte-based, arts and entertainment magazine that Cindy began freelancing for last April.   

During the festival, Ms. Giovanni read from her bestselling children's book "Rosa", which she co-wrote with Rosa Parks before Rosa’s death.  The book, "Rosa" made the New York Times Bestseller's List for children's books and is one of the most visually stunning books seen in years. 

Family Achievements

Carlton Williams (#27) & his “Far West Hombre” teammates - 2006 Arizona Pop Warner Midget Division Football Champs

Apollo Martin – Keeping the game in check.

Paula Martin

I received the following “FYI” article from Octavia Rhone. The information is very interesting and certainly something that I was not previously aware of. Hopefully, you’ll agree as I share this with the family.

WATCH NIGHT SERVICES “Most of us who live or grew

up in Black communities in the United States have

probably heard of "Watch Watch Night ServicesNight Services," the gathering of the faithful in

church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins

anywhere from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks go to church first, before going

Did You Know?

Cindy Dobbs

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We hope that all family members will embrace the Martin Family Newsletter and play an active role in its success by submitting information for inclusion into the newsletter.

We ask that information be submitted by the following deadlines:

1st QTR – NLT 15 Feb

Newsletter Submissions & Feedback2nd QTR – NLT 15 May

3rd QTR – NLT 15 Aug

4th QTR – NLT 15 Nov

The Martin Family newsletter is published quarterly and distributed through the Martin Family Email Distribution list. Newsletters are also posted

on the Martin Family website (see web address below).

Submit all email additions, updates, stories & comments about, or suggestions for this newsletter to: ghampton@cox.net

Your participation and support of this venture is greatly appreciated!

The following family members contributed the stories and/or information contained in this newsletter:

Cindy Dobbs Gerald Hampton Benita Martin Paula Martin Octavia Rhone

“May God continue to bless each of you and your respective families!”

This edition, along with past editions of the Martin Family Newsletter, can be viewed on the Internet at:http://martinfamilynewsletter.homestead.com

Several family event photo albums are also posted on the Internet and can be viewed at: http://geraldpics.photosite.com

The MFR website is back! Emphasis is on the 2007 family reunion. Check it out at:

http://martinfamilyreunion.homestead.com

Did You Know? – cont’dout to celebrate. For others, (cont’d on next page…)

(cont’d from previous page…) church is the only New Year's Eve event.

Many have always assumed

that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian

religious service -- made a bit more Afro centric because that's what

happens when elements of

Christianity become linked with the Black Church. Still, it seemed that predominately White Christian churches did not

include Watch Night services on their calendars,

but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances

where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like

New Year's Eve. However, there is a reason for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations.

The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also

known as "Freedom's Freedom's Eve”.Eve”.

On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had

become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free! When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God!

Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.

It's been 141 years since